We often hear about companies being sued after serious data theft. This happened to Facebook after the Cambridge Analytica scandal a few years ago with a fine reaching billions of dollars. Most recently, Meta is being sued by the former WhatsApp cybersecurity chief for allegedly disclosing user data.
The suit was filed by Attaullah Baig, who served as WhatsApp's cybersecurity chief between 2021-2025. He claims that around 1,500 WhatsApp engineers had unlimited access to user data and surveillance, which is the same offense that led to a $5 billion fine being imposed on the company after the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Engineers at Meta are also alleged to have the power to steal user data in the form of IP addresses, profile pictures and contact information without being detected or audited.
Baig also revealed that Meta failed to resolve the issue of more than 100,000 user accounts being hacked before being stolen every day. His recommendations to resolve it were ignored. Because he insisted the issue needed to be resolved, Baig claimed he was ultimately fired for unsatisfactory performance.
Meta representatives released a statement saying the suit filed by Baig was “a typical game where former employees are terminated for poor performance and then exposed publicly with distorted allegations that paint a false picture of the continued hard work of our team.”